Craig Bellamy was last night charged by the English FA with using foul and abusive language towards an official during Newcastle United's defeat at Middlesbrough 10 days ago.

The striker was not booked in the game but he was one of the Newcastle players who confronted the referee, Andy D'Urso, and his linesmen after the final whistle. Newcastle were incensed that D'Urso had overlooked a challenge on Jermaine Jenas in particular.

Bellamy (24), has been booked only once in the Premiership this season, against Sunderland, but he now faces the prospect of a third ban of the season if found guilty. The Welshman has already missed six of Newcastle's Champions League matches this season having butted a Dynamo Kiev defender in September and then been dismissed against Internazionale at St James' Park in November.

A domestic ban would hurt Newcastle on the Premiership run-in. One game is the likely punishment but depending on the severity of the language it could be two. Patrick Vieira received a two-match ban for using insulting language with D'Urso this season.

Bellamy will have the right to appeal or to a personal hearing but if he is banned it is anticipated he will miss Blackburn Rovers at home or Everton away, or both.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, will take a gamble this afternoon by fielding Stuart Taylor in goal. David Seaman, for whom this would have been his 1,000th senior appearance, suffered a slight hamstring injury against Roma on Tuesday evening.

Arsenal were awaiting a scan result last night that would tell whether Seaman had torn fibres, which would keep him out of action for two weeks, or had only a minor problem, which would allow him to face Valencia next week.

Guardian Service